Tanzanian Plantain Beef Soup

Last month I had a terrific opportunity to attend a seminar at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa where I got to meet Paul Bartolotta, a two time James Beard award winner. Paul was funny, down-to-earth and inspiring. His comment, “the soul of kitchen is about people”, especially made an impression on me. Paul said that instead of making foods that would appeal to critics, he simplified ingredients and started making foods in his kitchen that he would enjoy eating. All of his foods that I tasted were simply amazing. Paul’s magic made natural fresh foods shine beautifully with subtle seasonings. Feeling so inspired by Paul, I am making in my California kitchen an unpretentious, simple African soup, which is packed with delicious flavors perfect for this winter.

To start, I place 2 lbs of beef neck (i.e. with large bones) in the pot and cover with boiling water. I then simmer it for about an hour to get strong stock and strain out the bones. Separately, I preheat my 7^th taste curry olive oil in the pot and saute 1 lb beef stew meats, 1 onion (chopped), 1 lb vine-ripe tomatoes (chopped), 5 plantains (peeled and sliced) and season with some sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, juice from 1 lime and thumb-size ginger (chopped). Then I pour the beef stock (~10 cups) to the pot and simmer until the beef meats turn tender. Right before serving, I sprinkle it with some chopped green onions and drizzle a bit more of my curry olive oil.

This soup is so hearty and delicious! The rich beef stock is counterbalanced by the acidity of lime and tomatoes and is nicely accentuated by the earthy ginger. The buttery olive oil infused with the special curry blend coats my mouth with warmth, while heat subtly comes from the back of the throat. How deliciously the starchy plantains and the tender beef meats soak this broth with layers of flavor complexities! This simple, unpretentious soup is great for the Winter. It is not only hassle-free to make, but the complex flavor profile will also impress your taste bud. Stay warm with a bowl of this soup this winter and happy cooking!